Swansea University

Egyptology, Ph.D. / M.Phil

Swansea UniversitySingleton Park Campus, United Kingdom

Course overview

A PhD or MPhil in Egyptology enables you to undertake a substantial research project led by your own passions and interests. The PhD takes three years full-time or six years part-time, and the MPhil takes two years full-time or four years part-time. You submit a thesis of up to 100,000 words for PhD assessment and 60,000 words for MPhil assessment, demonstrating original research with a significant contribution to Egyptology.

This is followed by an oral examination of the thesis (a viva voce examination, or viva). Working at an elite academic level, you will conduct original research related to ancient Egyptian history, archaeology, religion, languages encompassing all stages of Egyptian language including demotic and hieroglyphic Graeco-Roman temple texts, literature, and culture, including the Ptolemaic and Roman periods. A number of research groups also offer focus and community for staff and postgraduates: • Interpreting Egypt’s Past in Wales and the World (InEPWW) • The Centre for Research into Gender and Culture in Society (GENCAS) A unique and valuable resource is our Egypt Centre, adjacent to the School of Culture and Communication on the Park Campus.

You will develop and hone research skills needed for high-level work in any field of Egyptology, while skills and training programmes available on campus provide further support. You will have the opportunity to deliver presentations to research students and staff at departmental seminars, and at the School of Culture and Communication Postgraduate conference. You may also have the chance to teach undergraduate tutorials and seminars from the second year, for which you receive training and payment.

Financial support is also provided (subject to approval) for attending conferences or conducting research away from Swansea.

Key highlights

  • Original research across Egyptian history, archaeology, religion, language and culture
  • Specialisms include demotic and hieroglyphic Graeco-Roman temple texts
  • Access to the on-campus Egypt Centre, a unique research resource
  • Join research groups including InEPWW and GENCAS
  • Paid, trained opportunities to teach undergraduate tutorials from year two
  • Funding support available for conferences and research away from Swansea

Entry requirements

  • Degree: 2:1 — or above
  • Master's degree: Merit — PhD: Applicants for PhD must normally hold an undergraduate degree at 2.1 level and a master’s degree with a minimum overall grade at ‘Merit’.
  • Degree: 1st — considered case by case

Scholarships

  • Chevening Scholarships

  • International Postgraduate Alumni Bursaries

    First Class - £5,000 per year; Second Class, First division - £3,000 per year; Second Class, Second division - £1,000 per year; Taught Masters to Research Degree - £3,000 per year subject to satisfactory progress.

  • Swansea University International Postgraduate Research Excellence Scholarship (SUIPRES)

    The SUIPRES Scholarship covers the difference between the International and the Home tuition fee rate for the duration of the PhD/Professional Doctorate programme.

Careers this course leads to

  • University lecturer in Egyptology
  • Postdoctoral researcher
  • Museum curator
  • Archaeologist
  • Heritage manager
  • Archivist

Cost of study

UK/Home: £5,006 per year | International: £18,400 per year

Admission

Applications are made through AHZ at no cost. Share your transcripts, English test scores and personal statement, and your AHZ Counsellor will review your profile, submit your application to Swansea University, and guide you through interview, offer, CAS and visa — right up to enrolment.

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